Habichtswaldsteig Stage 4 from Naumburg to Edersee

The Habichtswaldsteig trail zigzags slightly uphill along agricultural paths into the "Ballenbachtal" valley, where the stream of the same name flows through a mixture of meadows and trout ponds. A varied landscape welcomes you in this forest valley, sometimes on forest roads, then on shady paths with a moderate climb in the so-called "Alten Wald" (Old Forest). With a bit of stamina, a steeper climb is easy to hike, and at the Fünfbrüderbuche (Five Brothers Beech), you can reward yourself with an idyllic rest at two tables. The trail alternates between forest roads and paths through a beech forest to the boundary stone path, to the impressive group of the so-called "Herrensteine" (Herren Stones) with seating area, and continues along the border between former Hesse and Waldeck to Waldecker LandAn information sign illustrates the markers (set sandstones) of former princely borders between Waldeck and Hesse, as well as the territorial boundaries of the local nobility: the von Elben and von Buttlar families in Elbenberg. A forest clearing leads down into another meadow valley, which winds gently toward Sengelsberg. This is followed by a climb through meadows and fields up to Sengelsberg, which rewards with a view of Waldeck Castle and the Eder Valley. A detour to the Sengelsberg Hut allows for a sheltered picnic even in the rain. The forest at Steinbachkopf and the Steinbach Valley, as well as the northern edge of the vineyards west of Waldeck, are diverse. The route briefly crosses the B485 and continues through an underpass of the disused railway line. Bad Wildungen-Korbach You reach a straight meadow path towards Waldeck, which, as a sunken lane, offers pleasant shade. You should take your time in Waldeck, as numerous information signs explain the (architectural) history of the town's development. The castle, with its magnificent views of the Eder Dam and the surrounding forests, is also worth a visit. Numerous restaurants invite you to take a break in the small town. You leave Waldeck to the south and take in the castle and Edersee lake at the fairytale rest area "Landschaftsrahmen." A path leads steeply downhill past a series of partly overgrown allotment gardens. The signage now changes to the wooden signs of the Kellerwald Edersee National Park. You now follow the common route of the Kellerwald, Urwald, and Habichtswaldsteig trails, walking along a narrow, picturesque path along the slopes of the "Ziegenberg." The trail leads over the "Teufelskanzel" (Devil's Pulpit) with sweeping views of the Edersee lake and into the Sauerland region. Enjoy the view of "your" Edersee at the fairytale rest area "Landschaftsrahmen." Following pleasantly shady paths through the beech forest at the "Uhrenkopf" (Clock Head), you will finally reach the "Kleinene Pulzel" (Little Pulpit) viewpoint above the impressive Eder Dam, to which a serpentine path leads steeply down. After 85,4 kilometers from Zierenberg, you have now reached the end of the Habichtswaldsteig trail and can visit the local "Aquapark" or continue your hike to the nearby animal park with its numerous native animals. Accommodation and rest stops are available in the Edertal and Waldeck valleys.